Reviews

A Whisper in the Dark by K.J. Sutton, Jessi Elliott

justinelbz's review

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2.0

This was not bad, but it's very short and so it's complicated to really be into it.

clockworkbook's review

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4.0

3.75

marieintheraw's review

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4.0

honestly, I am kinda digging how this begins.

parpacifica's review

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3.0

Was that it? THAT was the book? What happened to the rest of it?

I opened it up, and one hour later, I’m reading “End of Volume 1, continue reading...”

I was put off my by the low general ratings for this book. It’s not terrible like the ratings suggest. I’ve read worst, with higher ratings

Yeah the book might focus a little too much of dialogue and explaining the system of Vampire Hierachy than the setting itself. I would like more action, and maybe less dialogue.

The book didn’t feel complete and I guess that could be the criticism. It felt like only 1/4 of the story got told, with no climax, or action for that matter.

The main love interest was introduced at 80-90% of the way!

Oh and about that, I think you know who the main love interest is when one dude is described as some sandy-haired tall guy, and the other as this dark, handsome man who has “green eyes so penetrating they shake me to the core.”

Didn’t even given sandy-haired tall guy a fighting chance...

I like sandy-hair guy though. He was super sweet, and had a great vibe. He is friendly. Helpful. Funny. Quirky. Cute jokes. I like him. I would befriend him if he was real, I think.

Penetrating green eyes guy, on the other hand, has this gross “smirky” bad boi thing going on that is sorta cringe. The ~sexual tension~ is forced between him and Charlie, on the guy’s end I mean.

Charlie is too cool for this guy.

Luckily, Charlie has not shown too much interest in him.

I like Charlie. I’m glad if that because I usually like Charlies (Charlie Davison is the best).

This Charlie isn’t as funny as Davidson, but she does have a lot of character. She is interesting. I mean the book is so short it felt like 1/4 of a regular book so I don’t really know how to peg down her personality yet but she is one helluva interesting person.

The world-building is unique, intricate and makes sense. Vampires are the ultimate race. Once a vampire reached their Awakening, their eye colour changes, indicating which sector they will go to (there is a sector for the gym buffs, for science nerds, for good-looking people, for whimsical artist-types, etc.) The vampire society is rules by a Vampire king, and the heroine is a part of this ruling royal family. It’s actually a pretty interesting concept. These vampires hate thistle, blister (not burn) under the sun.

It’s free on Kindle Unlimited so I definitely say you should give this a try.

Also I just checked and the book is ONLY 94 FUCKING PAGES. No wonder it felt like more than half was missing!

angelatastic16's review

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5.0

*I received this ARC in exchange for an honest review*

Vampire stories are hit or miss for me and this one slapped! A Whisper in the Dark is a fast paced read and an ode to everything great about paranormal romance with a dash of dystopian on the side. The world created by Elliot and Sutton is nuanced and drew me in from the first page. The plot was intricate with unique characters who I loved to read about. I only have one complaint: why do I have to wait so long for the next installment?

literary_steph's review

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3.0

I came across both authors page on Instagram and I was intrigued by this vampire-romance series.

I really like this take on vampires, humans and mythical creatures. I like that everything is explained efficiently, and the world building is very simple. There's a color coded caste system amongst the vampires. The humans in this world are oppressed but they don't have it as bad as the half breeds (1/2 human/vamp) which give me dystopian vibes.

I instantly liked Charlie. At first she seemed like the typical entitled princess, but she surprised me. She's flawed, intriguing and I love that I got to see the vulnerable side of her. When she's banished to the Sewer sector, her fall from royalty, the struggle and keeping her thirst in check felt palpable.

This volume is short and I was bummed when I got to the end. I'm definitely continuing because this series has potential. I want to learn more about the characters and the Weepers. I also sense some romantic tension, hopefully there's more of that in the next volume.

romantasylife's review

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2.0

I’ve been in a vampire mood lately. I just reread a four-book series about vampires and had such a great time. When I saw this book, I knew I had to jump on it immediately.

Unfortunately, I’m most likely not going to pick up the other two books in this trilogy. This novella is only 93 pages. Not enough, in my opinion, to start a new world to a new trilogy.

I feel like this world was not really described. The characters are boring and flat. I don’t know what’s going on besides Charlie is not wanted by her royal vampire family.

I’m assuming the other two books are going to be longer than this one. It seems like it’s going to be free on Kindle Unlimited just to get people to buy the other two books full-price. I will not do that.

I’m almost tempted to not pick up the Fortuna Sworn books by K.J. Sutton… I don’t know. We shall see!

2/5 stars

wildfaeriecaps's review

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5.0

(Do I need to say this is the review of an eARC? Dunno. But it is. Regardless, my opinions here are honest and entirely my own.)

I'm always a little leery about co-authored books despite the fact that I've never actually read a bad one. This was no exception. It flowed smoothly, no jarring transitions or style changes. And that's about where my ability to talk technical stuff ends.

The world reminded me of so much. It was like an nuanced meal where I could taste flavors of things I've had before but was, on the whole, it's own thing entirely. I felt like I could *see* the settings, feel the press of people in the bar, the desolation of the streets just before sunrise. I love Charlie. She is all that I want in a protagonist. Good and yet, flawed. Beneath the veneer is a monster waiting to be released and I adore it. I was game for who I thought the love interest would be, even though it would not be my first choice. And then the end happened and my fangirling heart squealed with joy.

I look forward to the next installment of this story. I already knew that K.J Sutton wrote books that I love, that speak to the twisted places in my heart that sing for these dark themes. Now I'm excited to check out what Jessi Elliott has to offer. I feel like I made out like a bandit on this deal: a great new story to read, a new author's work to pursue, a beloved author's work to revisit. Yes, yes, yes.

Go. Read. This. Book.

tomesproject's review

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3.0

a solid start to a paranormal/fantasy romance series that I will definitely be picking up the rest of the series before my KU subscription runs out!

chivon's review

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4.0

i enoyed this book and a great dive back into the vampire world. We are pretty much current day where the vampire uprising has left humans as slaves.
The King as several heirs and upon their 18 birthday their social class standing is determined by eye color, their " Awakening" an ancient ceremony.
Each eye color means where you will be placed among society, each holding great value, that is unless you're a violet. Then You are a disgrace to society and will be killed or outcast to the humans.
Charlotte Travesty has lead her vampire life behind the castle and royalty and had everything handed her way, even blood survival.
After her Awakening , she is faced with an uncertain truth, she is now on her own . Thrown into the real world she must face new opportunities, survival skills, and meet new friends.
She is in the common - low social standard now with halflings, vampires, humans, and faires, and fighting a new job facing the weepers.
There is friendship, love, lust , enemies, and a mystery at hand here as Charlotte, now Charlie faces her new life .
I definitely recommend this fast paced, thrilling , descriptive, sexy vampire tale and cant wait to dive into book two.